unit via an i.LINK 2) (file access mode, called FAM below) connection—in the same way that a computer reads data files on an external drive. The interfaces include the

S400 (i.LINK) connector, supporting AV/C (Audio/ Video Control) and i.LINK (FAM) protocols, and (network) connector. The (network) connector supports MXF (Material eXchange Format) file transfer capability to exchange contents with other equipment supporting MXF.

1)A clip is created every time recording is stopped.

•Video and audio data are always recorded in empty sections of the disc. Recording begins instantly, even after playback, without overwriting existing video on the disc.

•Recording is done in clip units, which makes it simple to delete a clip immediately after shooting if it is judged to be unneeded.

•During playback, thumbnail lists make it easy to identify clips. The random access nature of the media allows the NEXT and PREV buttons to jump instantly to clip start frames, making it easy to check the video and audio in the clips.

•i.LINK (FAM) or network connections make it possible to transfer clip files at high speed between this unit and remote computers.

2)i.LINK is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Flexible metadata recording

XDCAM 1) can record various types of metadata together with video and audio data, such as the date and time of shooting, the cameraman, the recording method, and comments about the material. This metadata can be used in applications such as the following.

•The supplied PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software can be used to add titles, comments, and other text data to discs and clips.

•Computer-readable text files can be recorded on the Professional Disc, to allow systematic content management.

•The ability to search metadata for the required audio and video scenes brings greater efficiency to various stages of the video production process (editing, archiving, etc.).

1) XDCAM is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Supports a variety of interfaces

The PDW-1500 supports a variety of interfaces and is suitable for use with various nonlinear editing systems.

Analog interfaces

Video: The unit can input and output a composite analog video signal.

Audio: The unit has two audio channels. When in 4- channel mode, you can input two channels of audio either as channels 1 and 2 or as channels 3 and 4. The two audio channels can be output also either as channels 1 and 2 or as channels 3 and 4.

Digital interfaces

SDI (Serial Digital Interface)/AES/EBU: This allows the unit to input and output D1 (component) format digital video and audio signals and also AES/EBU- format digital audio signals.

Equipped with i.LINK connector

The i.LINK connector of this unit supports the following two functions.

Input and output of DV streams (AV/C mode)

•DV streams can be output from this unit and recorded on standard DV equipment.

•During MPEG IMX playback, the playback signals can be converted and output as DV streams, allowing you to connect DV-compatible nonlinear editors.

•The output from external DV devices (VTRs, nonlinear editors, etc.) can be input to this unit and recorded on Professional Discs.

Computer access to files (file access mode)

Use of application software which supports the XDCAM series 1) enables random access to video, audio, and metadata files on Professional Discs, with the ability to display file lists and perform file-based reads and overwrites.

Files can be transferred at high speed, and thumbnail lists of disc contents can be viewed on computer screens.

1)Such software includes the supplied PDZ-1 Proxy Browsing Software and the XPRI series.

Equipped with network connector

This network connector of unit can be connected to computers and networks to enable high-speed file transfers and display of lists of the video, audio, and metadata files stored on Professional Discs. Workflows can be improved by the ability to use FTP commands to transfer files to remote locations.

Supporting SNMP for service and maintenance 1)

The PDW-1500 is compatible with Sony remote maintenance and monitoring software—an SNMP- compliant application that can monitor and log the hardware’s status in real time via a TCP/IP network. If a malfunction is detected, this system can immediately identify the problem, allowing you to take corrective action.

1) To be supported shortly.

Overview 1 Chapter

1-1 Features 17